By Arush Desai
Serial killer documentaries are psychological windows to the disturbed minds of such sociopaths and psychopaths. Conversation with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes on Netflix really show the dark side of even darker individuals. With the darkest pasts. However, have you ever wondered about the science behind serial murderers? Yes, science — especially neuroscience — is heavily interwoven in the creation of such killers? Science is the puppeteer plays with strings of biology — strings that are neurons of ‘abnormal’ brains. Let’s dissect this mind-blowing science, shall we?
For starters, recent brain imaging studies have revealed that serial killers have a weak connectivity between the amygdala — the ‘capital city’ of the limbic system, which is the emotional center of your brain, that processes negative stimuli and elicits fearful reactions — and the prefrontal cortex, which infers the responses from the amygdala. Since the connection between both areas is weak, no negative emotions are expressed, no guilt or sadness is felt.
Moreover, according to a research study by the University of Chicago, repeated homicide offenders have reduced grey matter in the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior temporal lobes of the brain, areas which further make computations and process emotional information. Hence, not a single ounce of empathy exists.
Augmenting the points made earlier, brain single-photon emission computed tomography (Brain SPECT) measures the blood flow to different parts of the brain and, therefore, recognises brain activity in said different parts of the brain, using gamma rays. Abnormal activities have been detected in the aforementioned prefrontal cortex, which, as mentioned above, controls afterthought and judgement. Really hair-raising, isn’t it?
In addition, there is a lot of buzz around the ‘serial killer gene’, which is depicted on the Riverdale television show. Mutations in MAOA and CDH13 genes supposedly manifest intensely violent behavior. MAOA, also known as the ‘warrior gene’, codes for the enzyme monoamine oxidase-A, which plays a major role in breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Complemented with a low dopamine turnover rate, the unhealthy amounts of neurotransmitters accumulate and, thus, adversely affect the brain systems.
Subsequently, this leads to increased activity in amygdala and decreased activity in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), all linked with antisocial behaviours. Similarly, the CDH13 gene codes for the T-cadherin, a protein that is integral to the migration, proliferation and connectivity of neurons. CDH13 also regulates excitatory and inhibitory synapses. If any defect arises, then the disturbed neural network results in loss in impulse control, ultimately leading to aggressive behaviour. But can any strong statements be made regarding the connections between faulty genes and homicidal behaviours? This brings us to the Nurture v/s Nature debate.
It is important to note that neuroscience doesn't justify heinous crimes committed but serial killers. It merely provides context. So, the next time that you binge-watch serial killer docuseries, do not forget the science that demonstrates it all!
Bibliography:
https://dana.org/article/murderous-minds-can-we-see-the-mark-of-cain/
https://fos.cmb.ac.lk/blog/serial-killer-genes/
https://bioxone.in/articles/bioxone-articles/maoa-and-cdh13-the-serial-killer-genes/#:~:text=MA OA%20and%20CDH13%20 genes%20are,crimes%20but%20not%20 violent%20crimes.
https://news.uchicago.edu/story/scientists-studied-brains-more-800-prisoners-heres-what-they-fo und
https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/7-lessons-from-murderers-brain-scans/#:~:text=On%20SPEC T%2C%20the%20brains%20of,full%2C%20even%2C%20symmetrical%20activity.
https://blog.oup.com/2021/04/what-can-neuroscience-tell-us-about-the-mind-of-a-serial-killer/
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